California Law Changes in 2026: What You Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2026, several new California laws will take effect that may impact workers, drivers, employees, and injury victims. These changes affect workplace safety, workers’ compensation, employment rights, and road safety. Below is a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of some important new laws and what they could mean for you.
Traffic Safety & Personal Injury Laws
AB 382 – Reduced School Zone Speed Limits
Local governments may now reduce school zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph
to improve pedestrian safety for children and families.
View AB 382 on the California Legislature website
AB 390 – Slow Down, Move Over Law Expanded
Drivers must now slow down or change lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle displaying hazard lights or warning devices,
not just emergency vehicles.
View AB 390 on the California Legislature website
AB 1085 – License Plate Obstruction Prohibited
This law bans products that obstruct or conceal license plates from law enforcement or toll systems.
Using these products can result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
View AB 1085 on the California Legislature website
AB 1299 – Parking Ticket Relief for Financial Hardship
Local governments may now reduce or waive parking fines for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship
and must offer payment plans upon request.
View AB 1299 on the California Legislature website
AB 366 – Ignition Interlock Device Expansion
California has extended the ignition interlock device (IID) program through January 1, 2033.
The law applies to all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders,
requiring breath testing before a vehicle can be started.
View AB 366 on the California Legislature website
Workplace Safety & Workers’ Compensation Laws
SB 20 – Silicosis Training, Outreach, and Prevention (STOP) Act
This law strengthens worker protections for employees exposed to dangerous silica dust, particularly in artificial stone and countertop work.
Dry cutting of artificial stone is now prohibited, and employers must use wet methods to reduce airborne dust.
Employers are also required to report cases of silicosis to the state.
Violations can lead to significant fines or even shutdown orders.
View SB 20 on the California Legislature website
SB 294 – Workplace “Know Your Rights” Act
Beginning February 1, 2026, employers must provide clear written notices explaining employee rights.
These notices cover workers’ compensation benefits, heat illness prevention, paid sick leave, protections against misclassification,
and safeguards against immigration-related retaliation.
Employers must also notify an employee’s emergency contact if the employee is detained or arrested at work.
View SB 294 on the California Legislature website
AB 1340 – Transportation Network Company Drivers Labor Relations Act
This law gives rideshare and app-based drivers the right to organize and collectively bargain,
even if they are classified as independent contractors.
Drivers may engage in group action for better pay, working conditions, and protections.
View AB 1340 on the California Legislature website
Employment & Wage Protection Laws
AB 858 – Extension of Right-to-Rehire Rights
Employees laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have recall and reinstatement rights through January 1, 2027.
This law applies to certain hospitality, airport service, building service, hotel, and event center employers.
View AB 858 on the California Legislature website
SB 464 – Expanded Employee Pay Data Reporting
This law expands pay data reporting requirements to address wage gaps.
Employers must report additional job categories and demographic information,
store demographic data separately from personnel files,
and face mandatory penalties if reports are not provided upon request.
View SB 464 on the California Legislature website
SB 617 – Expanded WARN Act Notice Requirements
Employers issuing mass layoff or closure notices must now include information about whether they plan to coordinate
services for affected employees through local workforce development boards.
Contact details and descriptions of available services must be included in every notice.
View SB 617 on the California Legislature website
AB 774 – Wage Garnishment and Judgment Liens
This law clarifies employer obligations when handling wage garnishments and judgment liens.
Employers must provide more detailed information to levying officers and follow updated service procedures.
View AB 774 on the California Legislature website
Need Legal Help?
If you believe one of these new laws affects your rights as an employee, worker, driver, or injury victim,
the attorneys at C&B Law Group are here to help.
We handle personal injury, workers’ compensation, employment, and immigration matters throughout California.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
